The Story
Best for: First Time Visitor, Cultural & Immersive
By combining north and south India, you get a remarkable varied and different experience. In the north, you explore forts, palaces and of course the Taj Mahal. Explore colourful markets and hear tales from its fascinating history. In the south, it is far more laid-back. Take a private houseboat and slowly drift down the palm-fringed backwaters, seeing the local rural way of life all around you. Gently end your tour of India by spending two nights in the banks of Lake Vemnenad before ending on the Indian Ocean.
Guide Pricing
Starting At
| £4455 |
|---|
Highlights
- Perfect if you are wanting to see the major highlights of India on a once-only trip
- See the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, with its colourful history and stories with the laid-back palm-fringed peacefulness of Kerala
- Stay in characterful boutique hotels throughout
- Have your own private drivers and expert guides
Day 1-2
Claridges Delhi
Day 3
ITC Mughal
Day 4-5
Samode Haveli
Day 6-7
Bujera Fort
Day 10-11
Purity
Day 12-13
Marari Beach Resort
Day 14
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Delhi | Claridges Delhi |
| Day 3 | Agra | ITC Mughal |
| Day 4-5 | Jaipur | Samode Haveli |
| Day 6-7 | Udaipur | Bujera Fort |
| Day 8-9 | Cochin | Old Harbour |
| Day 10-11 | Backwaters | Purity |
| Day 12-13 | Marari | Marari Beach Resort |
| Day 14 | Cochin Airport | Fly Home |
Day 1-2
Delhi
Fly to Delhi and spend two days here, with the first day all about settling in, and the second day exploring the city with your private guide. Head to Old Delhi, famous for the imposing Red Fort, constructed by Shah Jahan in the 17th century before taking cycle rickshaws through Chandni Chowk and its bustling bazaars towards Jama Masjid. After lunch, explore the British New Delhi, constructed after they moved the capital from Calcutta in 1911.
Day 3
Agra
Take the early train to Agra and spend the afternoon seeing Agra Fort and the Itmad-ud-Daulah, otherwise known as the Baby Taj. Continue to take a short walk on the other banks of the Yumana River to see the Taj Mahal at sunset from Mehtad Bagh.
Day 4
Agra - Jaipur
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise with your guide before driving to Jaipur via the impressive remains of Fatehpur Sikri, once a grand Mughal capital that was deserted when they found the water supply was an issue.
Day 5
Jaipur
Spend the morning heading to the markets and taking a walking tour through the old artisan areas, seeing craftsmanship still very much in display to this day. Continue to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory before spending the afternoon at leisure.
Day 6
Jaipur
Have the morning free to explore the city under your own steam before heading north of the city to take a short walk in the villages around Amber Fort where you will have amazing views from the various viewpoints. See the fort with your guide, one of the most impressive that Rajasthan has to offer. If you want, you can then take an elephant safari through the local villages, ending with dinner at the camp.
Day 7-8
Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur, which is just a short 45 minute flight, and spend two days in the most picturesque city in Rajasthan. On the second day, take an interesting walking tour with your guide through the local markets and into the City Palace.
Day 8-9
Cochin
Fly to Cochia, via Mumbai and spend two nights settling into southern India. On the second day, take a walking tour of the old fort area, seeing Mattancherry Palace and ending in Jew Town.
Day 10-11
Lake Vembenad & Backwaters
Drive south to the banks of Lake Vembenad for a two night stay. That afternoon, you’ll explore the local communities who live and work around the backwaters, going into local homes, learning a little Indian cookery and taking a traditional boat down the smaller backwaters. The following day, take a traditional Keralan houseboat across the lake and into the backwaters.
Day 12-13
Marari
Transfer the short distance to Marari Beach for two days of relaxation to end your tour of India.
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